20th June 2026
Caithness has enjoyed a week defined by community spirit, youth achievement and cultural celebration, with events across the county highlighting the strength and resilience of local groups. From music and sport to heritage and environmental work, residents once again demonstrated the energy that keeps the far north thriving.
Music Festival Celebrates 70 Years of Local Talent
The Caithness Music Festival marked its 70th year with a vibrant programme showcasing hundreds of young performers. Nearly 400 entries filled venues across Wick, with adjudicators praising the “remarkable depth of talent” among local pupils.
Despite temporary roadworks on Sinclair Terrace causing minor delays, the festival ran smoothly thanks to volunteers and teachers. Schools from across the county took home silverware, with Watten pupils excelling in chanter and piping categories.
The festival committee described the event as “a celebration of the future of music in our community”.
Caithness United Honours Rising Football Stars]/b]
Youth football took centre stage as Caithness United held its annual awards evening at the Norseman Hotel. Players from the U12, U14 and U16 squads were recognised for their development, teamwork and commitment.
Wick Academy goalkeeper Lewis Gallacher presented the trophies, with coaches emphasising the club’s ethos of nurturing confidence and discipline.
Standout winners included:
Zac Taylor — U12 Player of the Year
Ruaridh Cameron — U14 Player of the Year
Riley Gray — U16 Player of the Year
Parents and supporters packed the venue, celebrating what coaches called “one of the club’s strongest seasons in years.”
[b]Thurso Art Exhibition Extended After Strong Public Support
A plant‑themed exhibition at The Haven in Thurso proved so popular that organisers extended it for an additional week. The show, featuring work by local artists, has drawn steady footfall and sparked conversations about the growing creative scene in the town.
Café staff said the extension was “an easy decision” given the enthusiasm from customers.
The Yarrows Heritage Trail, one of Caithness’s richest archaeological landscapes, received renewed attention this week as volunteers highlighted its importance to local tourism and education.
The trail, located south of Wick, features chambered cairns, brochs and standing stones dating back thousands of years. Volunteers encouraged residents to explore the area as summer approaches, noting that the trail remains one of the county’s most accessible windows into its ancient past.
Halkirk Martial Artists Bring Home 16 Medals
Eight students from Caithness Tang Soo Do returned from the Scottish Championships in Inverness with an impressive haul of 16 medals. Competitors ranged from young beginners to seasoned practitioners, all representing Halkirk with pride.
Instructors praised the group’s discipline and determination, calling the results “a testament to the hard work put in week after week.”
Thurso Café Reopens After Online Controversy
A Thurso café owner reopened his business this week after addressing a wave of online criticism. Danny Jackson, who runs a small independent café in the town centre, acknowledged mistakes and said he was committed to rebuilding trust.
The incident sparked wider discussion about the impact of social media on small businesses, with many locals expressing support for a more constructive approach to community feedback.
Wick Riverside Biodiversity Project Continues to GrowPupils from Newton Park Primary joined the Wick Development Trust to plant primroses along the riverside as part of an ongoing biodiversity initiative. The project aims to improve wildlife habitats and enhance the appearance of the popular walking route.
Teachers described the activity as a valuable hands‑on learning experience, helping children understand the importance of environmental stewardship.
Momentum Builds Ahead of Caithness Pride
Support for Caithness Pride continued to grow this week as a well‑known LGBTQ+ advocate and performer sent good‑luck wishes to organisers. Youth Highland and LGBT+ Youth Scotland confirmed they will again host a dedicated youth space at the event.
Organisers said the messages of support reflect the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in the far north.
New Secondary Education Lead Appointed for the Highlands
Highland Council announced a new head of secondary education, previously serving in East Renfrewshire. While the role covers the entire region, the appointment is expected to influence ongoing discussions around Caithness school provision and educational strategy.
Wick Thistle Volunteers Maintain WWII Memorial Garden
Members of Wick Thistle Football Club continued their community work by helping maintain the Bank Row memorial garden, which commemorates the 1940 bombing of the area. Volunteers cleared paths, tended flowerbeds and prepared the site for summer visitors.
To read more details on any of the items go to the John O'Groat Journal